accessibility
New Hampshire Port Authority
Grievance Procedure Under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
ADA Grievance Procedure
In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, it is the intention of the New Hampshire Port Authority to provide access to all public facilities, programs and services associated with its operation of New Hampshire Port Authority to all persons with disabilities.
AIRPORT AUTHORITY’S ADA COORDINATOR
The New Hampshire Port Authority ADA Coordinator is responsible for administering the New Hampshire Port Authority’s overall compliance program, and is designated, in accordance with the federal regulation under the ADA, to coordinate the New Hampshire Port Authority’s efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under the Act, including investigation of any complaint communicated to the New Hampshire Port Authority, alleging the denial of access to an New Hampshire Port Authority service or program, based on disability.
The New Hampshire Port Authority’s ADA Coordinator is familiar with federal, state and local government regulations and policies, including knowledge of the ADA and other laws addressing the rights of people with disabilities and has experience with a broad range of disabilities. The ADA Coordinator has knowledge of various alternative formats and alternative technologies that enable people with disabilities to communicate and participate in programs, activities and services available at New Hampshire Port Authority. The ADA Coordinator has the ability to work cooperatively with people with disabilities and is familiar with local disability advocacy groups and has the skills and training necessary to negotiate and mediate on behalf of anyone who submits a grievance.
THE GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE
To file a grievance alleging denial of access to a New Hampshire Port Authority program or service based on disability, a patron should complete the attached ADA Grievance Form (Form) and forward it to the ADA Coordinator, pursuant to the contact information provided on the Form. The completed Form must contain the name, address, e-mail address, and phone number of the grievant. The Form should include as much information as possible regarding the alleged denial of access including date, time, location, and a clear description of the denial of access. The complaint must be received by the ADA Coordinator as soon as possible, but no later than 60 days following the alleged incident. The Form must be completed and signed by the grievant or her/his authorized representative. Upon receipt of a grievance, the ADA Coordinator will review the completed Form within 10 business days. If additional information is required, the ADA Coordinator will contact the complainant and return the Form for completion.
Once the completed Form has been received, the ADA Coordinator will work with the New Hampshire Port Authority (and its tenants, contractors and concessionaires, if necessary) to identify and attempt to implement a mutually agreed upon resolution within 15 business days of receipt of the completed Form. If further investigation is necessary, the ADA Coordinator will issue a “Notice of Continued Investigation” not later than 15 business days after receiving the completed Form.
It is the Airport Authority’s policy to encourage an informal resolution of all complaints and grievances. If a mutually agreed upon informal resolution cannot be achieved, the ADA Coordinator will issue a written decision within 60 business days of the receipt of the completed Form. The filing of a grievance does not prevent an individual from filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Justice, ADA Enforcement Division or with the Federal Aviation Administration, Office of Civil Rights.
Not later than 30 days from receipt of the ADA Coordinator’s decision, the grievant or authorized representative may appeal that decision in writing to Attn: ADA Grievance; New Hampshire Port Authority, 55 International Drive, Portsmouth, NH 03801. Within 30 days of receipt of this appeal, the Executive Director or his designee will meet with the grievant to discuss the grievance and possible resolution and, within 30 days of that meeting, will submit the New Hampshire Port Authority’s final decision to the grievant.
All written and/or recorded communications will be retained by the New Hampshire Port Authority for a period of three years from the date of the ADA Coordinator’s decision or the date of the Executive Director’s decision, whichever is later.
The New Hampshire Port Authority’s ADA Coordinator is Chasen Congreves, c.congreves@peasedev.org, phone number 603-766-9239. Please send all grievances to Chasen Congreves, New Hampshire Port Authority at Pease, 42 Airline Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801.
Americans with Disabilities Act Grievance Form
In accordance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the New Hampshire Port Authority makes all programs and services associated with its operation of New Hampshire Port Authority accessible to all persons with disabilities. Please use this form to file a grievance if you believe that you were denied access to an New Hampshire Port Authority program or service based on disability.
